Pacquiao vs. Bradley: Why Fight Is a Lose-Lose for Pac-Man

Manny Pacquiao prepares to enter the ring and take on Timothy Bradley, a fighter who has a solid record, but lacks the star power that many of Pac-Man's usual opponents have, and Pac-Man will find himself in a lose-lose situation tonight.

Whether Pacquiao wins or loses the bout with Bradley, he will receive negative comments and feedback either way.

If Pacquiao puts on a show and defeats Bradley convincingly, he will hear non-diehard boxing fans say that it doesn't mean anything, since Bradley is not a major star in the sport and just had an inflated record.

Then the "why won't you fight Floyd Mayweather instead of fighters that are not even close to your level" sentiments, which will take away the spotlight from the fight Pac-Man just won.

On the other side of the spectrum is if Pacquiao struggles to win or, the worst case scenario, Pac-Man loses, then some fans of his could begin to turn on him.

The backlash of hate could reach levels that even LeBron James has endured since The Decision, damaging Pacquiao's public image in the process.

Pacquiao's recent stockpile of sponsors could be affected if he loses, taking him out of the spotlight even further.

Of course the "Pacquiao wouldn't stand a chance in the ring with Mayweather, no wonder why he ducked him for so long" talk would begin, making the public's interest in the super fight subside somewhat.

Losing would mean a rematch would be in the works and Bradley has not been shy about promoting a now-fictional bout that could end up becoming a reality.

Any way you cut it, Pac-Man has put himself into a lose-lose situation with a tough opponent, which is a shame as Bradley is a valid opponent for Pacquiao, even if the average fan may not agree.